Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Turnip Pancakes
Plate of crispy vegetable pancakes with dipping sauce.

Turnip Pancakes

Root vegetables are grated, battered cooked in a skillet until golden and crispy.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 pancakes
Morning Muffins
Golden muffins with raisins served with a glass of milk.

Morning Muffins

These carrot-filled morning muffins with crunchy nuts, warm cinnamon flavor and whole-grain oats are a satisfying breakfast or on-the-go snack.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
12 muffins
Baked Tortilla Chips
A bowl of baked tortilla chips is shown with salsa for dipping.

Baked Tortilla Chips

Simple homemade tortilla chips. Great recipe to get the kids cooking!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
16 Chips
Fruit Cooler
Frothy pink fruit drink with a straw.

Fruit Cooler

Use your favorite fruit to make this sweet and refreshing drink to make on a hot summer day with your favorite fruit.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Plate of red potatoes with grated parmesan cheese.

Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

Hearty and satisfying potatoes roasted to perfection and topped with rich and tangy parmesan cheese.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Salsa Chicken
Large bowl of shredded chicken covered in salsa and served over rice.

Salsa Chicken

Shredded chicken has never been easier to prepare and have on hand. Make an endless number of go-to meals from two simple ingredients and a slow cooker.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
6 to 8 hours
Makes:
6 cups